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starter not engaging

tundra tom

tundra tom

Member
Member
I was going to ride for work today when the c 14 starter would not engage it just spins freely doesn't sound like it's turning the engine over any thoughts
 
What kind of oil are you using? This bike uses a sprag type clutch, and automotive oils with friction modifiers in them have been known to make sprag clutches not engage properly. I've also heard reports of them malfunctioning with Amsoil.
 
I think you maybe right fred I used mobile 1 auto oil because the shell was not in stock I will dump it out and put the shell in. and see if that makes a difference
 
The only Mobil One auto oil that I'm aware of that doesn't have friction modifiers in it is the 15W-50 viscosity.  All the other viscosity of Mobil One that I have seen have the Energy Conserving label on them, and as such contain friction modifiers. Its these friction modifiers that mess up sprag clutches. The sprag clutch works on the principle of having just the right amount of friction on the small sprags, and the friction modifiers can prevent them from engaging properly.
 
Does it make a any kind of squealing noise when it should be turning the motor?  That's what my older Honda bikes did with non-motorcycle oil (which use the friction type starter clutch).
 
You nailed it Fred. I studied the label (even put my reading glasses on:) and did not find any indication of the energy conserving notation. Regardless I drained it over night and found the oil I have always used, refilled it and after a few trys the starter engaged and worked fine. $23 lesson learned. Thanks again for the advice! :c017:
 
FYI, look in the circular API symbol for the words "Energy Conserving" in the lower half of the circle. If it is marked as Energy Conserving, don't use it.

http://www.aa1car.com/library/api_motor_oil_classifications.htm

API_donut.gif
 
The lower half of the API symbol I used was blank.  Mobil 1 10-40 syth. The two other engines I could have used that viscosity in have wet clutches so I'm just re-cycling the oil.
 
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